PostRio+20 Synthesis. Calame with Sizoo Nov. 2012. The UN conference, Rio+20 exposed the lack of mandate from state governments to negotiate for the wellbeing of the global human community, and for the health of the biosphere. An ethics of responsibility is proposed as a framework for decision-makng that accounts for human and environmental inter-dependence…

Maori interests in water and government proposals to sell State Sssets in Power Companies . for Leaflet click here

Māori Values, Water and State Assets

The Waitangi Tribunal claim for Māori interests in water reminds us that water, is a taonga, a treasure guaranteed to Māori. If Mighty River Power is sold Māori will not be able to pursue their Treaty interests because they cannot claim against private investors.

The Prime Minister says water cannot be owned but government allocates the right to use water. Those who have an allocation effectively own the water they take and use.

Māori Interests in kaitiakitanga are for use and care of water for the benefit of people now and in the future. Some Māori interests are commercial and include the prospect of owning power assets.

Action: Halt the sale of Mighty River Power until Māori interests are settled

A Stewardship Approach

With a stewardship approach we can shift the argument about the right to own, to the responsibility to care for water so that future generations are assured of access to water.

Questions about Stewardship and Profit

Do government and private companies have a responsibility to provide electricity at a fair price?

Does stewardship apply to the commitment of companies to make profits?

How can we contribute to stewardship of water resources and sustainable power generation?

Where energy bills are causing hardship and harm, what can people do? Which agencies are responsible?

The pricing of power is now tied to profit, not to providing a service. Trade agreements protect profits for investment. The TPPA will lock in regulations for profit and even allow companies to sue States which have regulations to keep prices down for essential services. What are the likely effects for power supply, food, health and environment?

If water is part of property, including Māori property, are power companies entitled to have water for free?